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Author Event reflects on the importance of gratitude with book Gratitude Prompts

Learn about the importance of gratitude in everyday life when Brisbane-based author Karen Purves visits Yeppoon Library for a free Author Event on Saturday 6 July.

Originally born in Brisbane, Karen left Australia on an overseas adventure lasting 35 years, returning four years ago to start anew following the loss of her daughter.

Starting out with a journal 22 years ago, the idea of Gratitude Prompts flourished over the years with the help of her children while gaining qualifications in the self-help industry, with Karen launching the book in February this year.

“This practice grew to encompass all facets of my life where I naturally sought to find gratitude and appreciation in all that I experience,” Karen said.

“I adopted an approach of lifelong learning from my early 30s and gained qualifications to help me become who I am today. From the time the kids were small, I made learning gratitude a game. My daughter, in particular, played the games in the car until the week of her death.

“The aim of the book is to boost the positive emotion of gratitude within the reader and their family.”

Describing herself as a positive person who naturally radiates sunshine, Karen said her practice of gratitude has supported her through the highs and lows of life.

“It’s been in the troughs where gratitude has been most helpful and life-changing,” she said.

“We know it's important to be grateful. We know we should practice gratitude and we really try. We buy a pretty journal to write down what we are grateful for. For a while it works. “Then something happens and 'life gets in the way.' The pretty journal is simply gathering dust on the bedside table. This is where Gratitude Prompts comes in.”Karen said Gratitude Prompts offers readers quotes and passages about the many ways we can be grateful combined with Karen’s personal experiences, followed by three suggested actions the reader can apply to their life.

“This way, there’s no need to come up with something to write about, it is there in front of the reader to guide them when they want to reflect,” Karen said.

“I’m looking forward to coming to Yeppoon and sharing my philosophy with the community, in the hope it will also help others live a meaningful life of gratitude.”

Libraries, Arts and Culture Councillor Pat Eastwood said the event would provide aspiring writers with a great opportunity to speak directly to an author about their writing journey.